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Perceptions of talk therapies among people of Turkish origin in the UK

Latif, S.;
(2009)
Perceptions of talk therapies among people of Turkish origin in the UK.
Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This thesis aims to advance our understanding of perceptions of mental health problems and talk therapy among the Turkish community in the UK. The first part, the literature review, commences by contextualising the Turkish presence in the UK and outlines Turkish cultural values. The main part of the literature review draws on the concept of 'mental health literacy' in examining what we know about Turkish people's perceptions of mental health problems, their causes, treatments and barriers to help seeking. Overall the evidence on these issues is sparse and mental health services operating in areas where there is a high density of Turkish people would benefit from more research to inform their clinical practice. The empirical paper presents a qualitative study aimed at exploring perceptions of mental health problems, talk therapies and barriers to accessing talk therapies among UK residents of Turkish origin. Fifteen Turkish individuals took part in four focus groups. Four white British focus groups (n=13) were also held by way of comparison. Themes were identified using thematic analysis. Turkish people had mixed views of talking about problems and identified numerous barriers to accessing mental health services including quality of interpreting services and fear of negative reaction from the Turkish community. The third part of the thesis, the critical appraisal, considers the research process and the strengths and weaknesses of the research. It closes with a discussion of the implications of the research for clinical practice.

Type:

Thesis
(Doctoral)

Title:

Perceptions of talk therapies among people of Turkish origin in the UK